Category: Articles

In summer, everyone wants to make the most of the seasonal heat and sunshine. But at the same time, it’s incredibly important to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolent (UV) radiation. In fact sunscreen should be used year round and should become an integral part of your skincare routine.

UVA exposure typically leads to advanced ageing, where as UVB leads to burning. 95% of the damage caused to skin is as a result of UVA exposure, whilst 5% is the result of UVB exposure. However failure to adequately protect your skin can lead to irreversible damage, including pigmentation, wrinkles and skin cancer.

There are a lot of products available which claim to keep your skin protected in the sun. With many different products making many different claims, it can be hard to know which brand to choose. At Skin Medical we recommend Heliocare, which provides high-level broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and contains Fernblock®.

In our Manchester clinic we stock Heliocare Cream SPF50, Heliocare Gel SPF50 and Heliocare 360 Mineral SPF50 – meaning we have a product for any skin type! Heliocare is even suitable for those who suffer from acne and breakouts, as well as those with existing sun damage and pigmentation. Our expert medical practitioners will be able to recommend which one is right for you.

Using Sunscreen

If you’re planning on being out in the sun for a long time, you should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go out, and again just as your about the leave, according to NICE – you should always apply twice before being exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

Throughout the day you should always reapply sunscreen frequently and liberally – especially after being in water or sweating.

Keeping your skin protected with a high SPF sunscreen is the best way to keep your skin safe and avoid permanent damage. However, if you have already experienced sun damage, pigmentation or fine lines and wrinkles, we have a selection of treatments to improve the appearance of your skin. Our medical practitioners will also be able to advise how best to protect your skin from any further damage.

To book a free skin consultation with one of our experienced practitioners or to find out more about any of our treatments or products, please contact the Manchester city centre clinic on 0161 839 7663 or submit an online enquiry.

With the popularity of aesthetic treatments continuing to soar, more and more practitioners are entering the lucrative industry. Following years of minimal governance and a lack of regulation, a range of practices have emerged which range from downright dangerous to the pinnacle of excellence.

When considering undergoing an anaesthetic treatment, it can be a minefield in regards to choosing the right practitioner for you. It is especially difficult for first-time patients who do not necessarily know what to look for in a clinic or practitioner. It’s likely that the things that you would consider would be the practical elements, such as location and pricing. However there are a lot of other factors that you should consider when choosing your aesthetic practitioner.

Many aesthetic treatments continue to be poorly regulated or entirely unregulated, for example, dermal fillers. The dangers of choosing an inexperienced or poorly qualified practitioner are clear – as this recent article outlines, unqualified practitioners are unaccountable to any registered public body and therefore should something go wrong, there is no accountability. The most important thing to be aware of when choosing an aesthetic practitioner is that they should be fully qualified and a registered medical profession. The key regulatory bodies for medical practitioners are the NMC for nurses and the GMC for doctors. Using their websites, you can check the registration status of your practitioner.

Furthermore, there are a number of bodies whose members must be qualified and experienced practitioners, such as BACN (cosmetic nurses) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC). At Skin Medical, all of aesthetic treatments are performed my medical nurse practitioners, who are NMC-registered and also members of the BACN. Our clinics are CQC registered and therefore subject to independent checks.

Another key point to note is that a practitioner should never go for the hard sell – it should always be an option to have a consultation first before making the decision to go ahead with treatment. A reputable clinic will always allow you to have an initial consultation and give you time to make an informed decision. You can then have treatment at a later date if you decide to go ahead.

Medical practitioners will always offer a consultation first of all. Alarm bells should sound if there is no thorough consultation, in which the practitioner discusses your medical history and what results you want to achieve. The practitioner should then explain the treatment in full to you and explain your suitability for treatment, before giving you the change to ask any questions.

Consultations also provide an opportunity to see the clinic itself. Aesthetic treatments should always be performed in a sterile environment for hygiene reasons. The consultation gives you the opportunity to see the clinic for yourself. You should be very wary of ‘clinics’ which offer treatments at home.

At Skin Medical, you will always have an initial consultation with one of our medical practitioners at our clinic. You will be provided with a written copy of all of the information regarding your treatment, and you are under no obligation to have treatment. All of our medical practitioners are registered with the appropriate medical bodies, and their full registration status and qualification record is available. We are a CQC registered clinic and therefore we are routinely independently assessed to ensure we are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. You can view our most recent CQC inspection report online.

For information regarding any of our treatments, or to book in for a free consultation at our Manchester clinic with one of our medical practitioners, please contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663 or submit an online enquiry.

When many people first start thinking about anti-ageing treatments, they usually zone in on dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle injections. But many anti-ageing treatments are actually complementary, and the best results will be delivered when they are used together.

Both anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are great for addressing signs of ageing, such as a loss of volume and fine lines and wrinkles. However the best results are seen when they are used in combination with other treatments. Two of our most popular and successful treatments, CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing and PDO Thread Lifts (dubbed the non-surgical facelift) both deliver very different results – yet are highly complementary.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing has a number of uses – it can be used to erase acne scarring, combat fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and age spots, and target the first signs of sagging skin. CO2 is an effective treatment for improving the general appearance of your skin texture. A fractional treatment with the MiXto SX, CO2 is a safe treatment for the face, neck, chest, arms and hands. In fact it can be used on most areas of the skin that are showing signs of sun damage, ageing or pigmentation.

The results of CO2 Laser are long term. Immediately following treatment you’ll begin to notice the initial effects of the treatment. The result will continue to develop over time, with the most result becoming apparent around 3-5 months following treatment. During this time new collagen will be formed.

Having fresh, youthful looking skin is the first step towards a younger appearance. CO2 can effectively address any issues in regards to skin texture and appearance, and it does have a skin tightening effect. However, for those who are experiencing sagging of the skin (including a loss of volume and a ‘dropping’ effect), PDO Thread Lifts are another highly effective anti-ageing treatment which could be right for you.

Dubbed the non-surgical facelift, PDO Thread Lifts are far less invasive than a traditional surgical facelift procedure. The treatment is minimally invasive and non-surgical, and can usually be completed in just 1-2 hours. The treatment involves the insertion of PDO threads (also known as PolyDiOanone threads) – dissolvable threads with cogs which are used to ‘hitch’ the sagging skin and provide an instant lift, creating a younger looking profile. Over the following five weeks the threads will break down naturally. At the same time, the collagen-building process will be occurring which will lead to firmer, tighter toned skin with added volume.

The results of PDO Thread Lifts last for around 18 months, however with maintenance treatments (usually around 12 months after the initial treatment), the result can be maintained for much longer.

CO2 Laser and PDO Thread Lifts are highly effective treatments, which when used together can fully transform your appearance. Used alongside traditional anti-ageing treatments, such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, you can have a fresher and younger looking appearance sooner than you might expect.

At Skin Medical, before undergoing any treatment, you would first have a skin consultation with one of our medical nurse practitioners who would be able to assess your skin, discuss your concerns and inform you which treatment would be most suitable for you.

To book in for a free consultation at our Manchester City Centre clinic, either book online or contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663.

The time for holidays and hitting the beach is officially here. Are you ready for summer? If you’re not, there’s no need to stress – fortunately, we have a range of treatments that can get you summer-ready. From banishing excess hair, combating stubborn pockets of fat and getting your skin primed and ready, we have the solution for you.

Laser Hair Removal

Waxing and shaving can be a chore at any time of year – but even more so in summer. Laser hair removal is a convenient alternative. Resulting in a permanent hair reduction, the average patient requires 6-8 sessions, at around 6 weeks apart. Laser hair removal can drastically reduce the amount of shaving and waxing you need to do – in fact, you might never shave or wax again!

At Skin Medical we use the Lightsheer Diode system which is FDA-Approved and considered to be the gold-standard in laser hair removal. It’s cool tip enabled, which makes the treatment more comfortable for you. If you’re wanting to know more about laser hair removal and how it works, we answer all of your questions here.

Vaser Liposuction

Vaser liposuction is an effective fat removal procedure performed under a local anaesthetic, which targets stubborn pockets of fat that dieting and exercise have failed to shift. In summer, these stubborn pockets of fat can be more distressing than ever. Performed under a local anaesthetic and with quick recovery times, there are a lot of advantages to choosing Vaser liposuction over traditional liposuction.

Vaser liposuction uses advanced ultrasound technology to break down fat cells, meaning they can easily be removed using suction. The technology targets only the fat cells, meaning all other tissue (such as nerves and blood vessels) is left unharmed. It can also stimulate collagen, meaning it can have a tightening effect on the skin too!

More areas than you might expect can be treated using Vaser liposuction, including the abdomen, love handles, outer and inner thighs, buttocks, knees, upper arms, calves and the male chest area. We can also treat the neck, jowls and chin.

SPF 50

The most important part of any skincare routine is your SPF – and when you’re exposed to the sun, the higher the SPF the better. At Skin Medical we recommend Heliocare SPF50+, which is available as a cream, gel and a mineral formulation.

Heliocare is a high-protection, effective SPF that is suitable for all skin types. It’s even suitable for those who suffer from acne and it doesn’t trigger further breakouts, like some skincare can. Our medical nurse practitioners will be able to assess your skin and advise which Heliocare product is most suitable for you.

Skin Medical is a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered clinic. To book in for a free consultation with one of our medical professionals regarding any of the treatments we offer at Skin Medical, either book online or contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663.

Laser hair removal is a revolutionary treatment that’s popularity continues to soar. Year on year there is an increase in the number of people forgoing shaving and waxing, and opting to undergo laser hair removal treatment. However, if the treatment is performed in an improper environment, with inefficient technology or by an inexperienced, unqualified practitioner, the risks of laser hair removal can be high.

Last month, author Marian Keyes revealed how she put her life at risk after laser hair removal treatment by applying an anaesthetic cream she purchased online. After experiencing a painful treatment, she covered her legs in the cream and wrapped them in cling film before boarding a flight. The highly dangerous self-treatment almost resulted in ‘anaesthetic toxicity’ – a life threatening overdose. Whilst the use of anaesthetic cream in itself is not dangerous, using too much can be. Likewise, by using cling film, Marian Keyes increased how much of the cream was absorbed

Typically laser hair removal isn’t a painful experience. Instead many patients describe it as being uncomfortable – similar to an elastic band pinging against the skin. Advances in technology have further increased the comfort of the treatment. At Skin Medical we use the Lightsheer Diode system, which has a cool tip for increased comfort. This means the heat exchange between the laser and the skin is controlled.

Following treatment, patients should always receive appropriate aftercare advice. Unfortunately, within the industry, this isn’t always the case. Suitable aftercare advice in Marian’s case would have avoided the dangerous, life-threatening scenario she encountered. At Skin Medical we provide written aftercare advice and always cool the area which has been treated in clinic. We make sure to allocate time for this as part of the appointment. We also have a range of products which are suitable for applying to the area after treatment, to encourage the area to cool and to increase comfort. We’re also Care Quality Commission (CQC) Registered, which means our clinics are approved and monitored by the CQC.

The advantage of visiting medical practitioners is that they are able to offer medical advice – which in Marian’s case was essential. Laser hair removal is often trivialised as a treatment similar to waxing. But it’s important to remember that the risks involved are real, and can only be controlled properly if the practitioner is suitable qualified and experienced, the technology is sufficient and the environment is suitable.

You can find more information about laser hair removal at Skin Medical here. If you’d like to book in for a free consultation with one of our experienced medical practitioners, you can book online or contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663.

People often have a lot of questions about skin imperfections, such as what are they, causes them and how can you get rid of them? Here we explain everything you need to know about skin imperfections.

Skin imperfections come in a range of sizes, and include anything from milia to moles to skin tags. These lumps and bumps can be tiny but annoying. Here explain what skin imperfections are, what causes them and how you can get rid of them. The most common skin imperfections are milia, moles and skin tags. They all form naturally and they can be ‘permanent.’ However, thanks to technology, they can also be quickly and easily removed.

At Skin Medical our preferred method of removing skin imperfections is using the hyfrecator – a device which sends electric currents into the imperfection and dehydrates them, causing them to fall off. The hyfrecator heats the skin, which kills to treated tissue. The body then heals the imperfection.

For small imperfections there is often no need for any anaesthetic. The treatment is very precise and will only treat the imperfection itself. However, we can use a topical local anaesthetic or numbing cream for comfort if you’d prefer. The treatment usually takes just 30 minutes – meaning your skin imperfection can be gone in no time at all!

Milia

Milia are a collection of white spots commonly known as milk spots. Although they’re often associated with babies they can occur in adults too. While there’s no explanation (yet!) to explain why milia can come about in adults, there is no associated link with diet or lifestyle. Unfortunately milia are something which ‘just appear’.

Milia are tiny cysts located directly below the skin’s epidermis (the outer layer of skin). This is what makes them so visible. The white colouring is composed from an excessive build up of natural keratin.

There are a lot of so-called ‘remedies’ for milia, including hot towel treatment and facial scrubs. Whilst these may reduce the appearance of milia, the result is temporary. Other removal methods involve surgical removal, however this is often undesirable as milia are often located on the face and there is a risk of scarring with surgical removal. The hyfrecator is a safe and efficient way of removing milia.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small growths which protrude from the surface of the skin. They can be flesh coloured or brown in appearance and they typically appear on areas of the skin which rubs against itself, such as armpits and eyelids. However, they can appear anywhere on the body.

Although they’re harmless they can be incredibly frustrating an unsightly. They can however be painful if you catch them, for example on jewellery. There is also a risk that they can grow over time. Just like milia, skin tags are natural.

There are a number of treatments for skin tags, including burning them off or surgically removing them. Again, these methods have an associated risk of scarring. Hyfrecator is a quick, safe and efficient way of removing skin tags.

Moles

Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black in appearance. They form when cells are clustered together rather than being spread throughout the skin. Most moles grow during childhood or during the first 30 years of life. They can appear anywhere on the body.

Over time moles can change – they may grow, the colour may change, and hairs might grow in the mole. After exposure to the sun, during pregnancy, and in teen years moles can darken in colour. Most moles are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However if they look different, appear in later life or you notice changes you should have them checked.

For benign moles, hyfrecator is a quick, safe and efficient way of removing moles.

If you’re still not sure what your lump or bump is you can visit our skin imperfections page which tells you about all the different types of skin imperfections there is.

Before you have any treatment to remove a skin imperfection we always do a consultation. This takes place with one of our experienced, medical practitioners who can assess the imperfection and explain the treatment in detail to you.

To book in for a free consultation at our Care Quality Commission registered Manchester City Centre clinic, contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663 or book online.

Stubborn pockets of fat can be incredibly difficult to get rid of. Even if you eat well and exercise regularly it can be difficult to reduce fat pockets in certain areas. It’s also impossible to spot-reduce fat with healthy eating and exercise. Whilst traditional liposuction was once the only solution for excess fat, the treatment has rapidly been replaced by a number of new technologies which promise to effectively remove unwanted fat. Many of these treatments are ineffective and overrated, and offer limited results – except for Vaser liposuction.

Vaser liposuction is often regarded as being the best fat removal treatment in terms of its effectiveness. Unlike other alternative ‘solutions’ – such as laser liposuction – the fat is physically removed. The Vaser technology liquefies the fat before suctioning it out. This makes it a true rival treatment to traditional liposuction. Many other inferior treatments which are available do not physically remove the fat.

One of key differences between Vaser liposuction and traditional liposuction is that Vaser is performed under a local anaesthetic rather than a general anaesthetic. This means that there is no hospital stay involved, and you can return home on the same day. However that’s not the only difference – there are a number of ways in which Vaser liposuction differs from traditional liposuction.

Minimally Invasive

Vaser is a specialised procedure which is minimally invasive. Only a very small incision is made making it much less invasive than traditional liposuction. A 2008 study also found that there was a much greater blood loss with traditional liposuction. There is also much less swelling associated with Vaser liposuction than with traditional liposuction.

Skin Tightening Effect

During the treatment, the heat which is given off also stimulates the production of collagen – meaning that the skin will appear tighter than with traditional liposuction. With traditional liposuction, which doesn’t use the same technology, there is a greater likelihood of loose skin following treatment.

Smoother results

Vaser is also known as a body contouring treatment because of the smooth, contoured results it produces. Vaser targets and breaks up just the fat cells – it preserves the important tissue surrounding these cells, such as blood vessels and nerves. This helps to create smoother contours.

Shorter Recovery Time

With traditional liposuction the downtime can be weeks. It could even be months before you are back to your regular activities. With Vaser liposuction you can go home on the same day, and return to basic activities within a few days. Within six weeks you will be garment-free and able to resume intensive activities such as

To book in for a free consultation with a medical practitioner, contact our clinic on 0161 839 7663 (Manchester) or 0113 323 0735 (Leeds) or book online.

In line with new guidance set out by the General Medical Council (GMC), doctors and surgeons must now follow strict regulations in order to ensure that they are held accountable for providing the best possible care for cosmetic patients.

The change in guidelines has been produced as a result of the review, carried out by Sir Bruce Keogh, into the standards in the cosmetic treatment industry. In this report, he paid particular attention to the risks associated with cosmetic procedures and how vulnerable patients need greater protection from aggressive sales tactics.

Coming into force from June, the new guidance dictates a number of changes that must be adhered to, ranging across all procedures from Liposuction to Dermal Fillers, or potentially face been struck off the medical register. The changes include:

Cosmetic clinics must now act more responsibly towards their marketing, ensuring that all advertising is completely transparent, factual and doesn’t use any promotional offers, or language, such as “two for one” deals.

It also restricts sales people from misinterpreting surgeons, stating that the procedure and all of its risks must be explained by a doctor, or surgeon. At Skin Medical, all consultations are carried out by the practitioner who is performing the procedure, so that you are fully educated on the procedure before making a decision. This particular regulation has been introduced to ensure that patients do not make “ill informed decisions”. This also means that consent must be obtained by the surgeon and not delegated to another person to do on their behalf.

Patients must also be given time to reflect, following their consultation. This allows them ample time to process the information that they have been given about the risks and complications, allowing them to decided whether or not they would like to continue, without feeling pressurised.

It is also the doctor’s responsibility to inform the patient of their aftercare options and ensure that they know who to contact and protocol of what will take place if they have any concerns, or experience any complications.

Skin Medical are governed and licensed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and you can see the full breakdown of our most recent report here. This includes upholding the following standards of care:

Quality of patient service to achieve optimum outcomes and results

Patient safety and care

Clinical staff training and competencies

Patient confidentiality and dignity

With us, you can rest assured that you are receiving the highest level of care, across all procedures. Not only do we make it a priority for you to receive accurate information, so you can make an informed decision, but we also carry out healthcare assessments to ensure the treatment is suitable for you. It’s important to go with a trusted provider for cosmetic procedures to avoid the need for costly cosmetic surgery solicitors. Get it right from the beginning with trusted practitioners.

Not all clinics are the same and at Skin Medical we pride ourselves on being completely independent, allowing us to focus our entire attention on the safety of our patients.

If you would like to find out more, contact us on 0161 839 7663, or fill out our online contact form.

For acne sufferers, blemish-free skin is the dream. Acne can have an impact on confidence and self-esteem, and affects both teenagers and adults. Fortunately, thanks to advances in technology, banishing acne is now easier than ever. Revolutionary devices such as N-lite acne laser can effectively treat acne and minimise the risk of scarring. But for many former acne sufferers, acne scarring is a reality.

Picking at blemishes can cause pitted scars and irregularities in skin texture. Whilst we know we shouldn’t pick at our spots, many of us cannot resist. Acne can also leave behind pigmented marks – a discolouration of the skin where the blemishes once were. Pigmentation scarring may naturally fade away with time, but deeper scars – such as pitted scars or ice pick scars – can be permanent unless properly treated.

Many superficial treatments such as peels and dermabrasion can improve the appearance of skin. However they are not a long term acne scarring treatment solution. They may leave your skin looking fresher and rejuvenated, but they won’t transform your skin. They have little effect on acne and acne scarring. Instead, they’re good for a general skin refresh and to improve the overall appearance of your skin.

In the past, the most common acne scarring treatment has been Genuine Dermaroller, which involves causing trauma to the skin through the insertion of thousands of micro-needles. It’s not as scary as it sounds – a topical anaesthetic is used to make the treatment as comfortable as possible, and the treatment takes only around 20-30 minutes to complete. A course of Dermaroller treatments – usually a minimum for three treatments around six weeks apart – can effectively improve mild acne scarring.

The only truly effective treatment for acne scarring however is the CO2 Micro Fractional Laser – a highly effective, groundbreaking treatment which can effectively resurface the skin to address pigmentation, irregular skin texture, smooth fine line and wrinkles and reduce pore size. This multi-purpose laser is especially effective at treating acne scarring, by resurfacing the skin and encouraging the production of new collagen which gives the appearance of newer, fresher looking skin.

With inferior devices, patients can often need to undergo around three treatments – all with downtime. However most patients require just one CO2 laser treatment, making it the most convenient way to banish acne scars. With just five days downtime, CO2 laser can effective address acne scarring on the face, back, chest and a number of other areas – restoring confidence.

Book your free skin consultation at Skin Medical with one of our Experienced Medical Nurse Practitioners to find out which acne scarring treatment is most suitable for you, by booking online or contacting the Manchester clinic on 0161 839 7663 – eliminate your acne scarring today!